Is Your Food Safe?
What You Need to Know to Stay Healthy
With the recent egg recall, Americans are even more concerned about the quality and safety of the food we eat.
While U.S. food production and handling regulations are some of the best in the world, millions of people get sick from eating contaminated food each year. That’s why it is important to be safety-minded about what you eat.
Quick Tips...
- Stay informed about food recalls and alerts.
- Use the tips below for food safety at home.
- Wash your hands often!
Avoiding Foodborne Illness
Causes & Symptoms
Foodborne Illness Culprits
Bacteria, parasites, viruses, and harmful chemicals can all cause foodborne illnesses. And although the U.S. food supply is among the safest in the world, these invisible culprits are all around us causing an estimated 76 million illnesses per year, including:
The Symptoms (Not fun!)
Common symptoms of foodborne illnesses include (but are not limited to):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days
- Abdominal cramping
- Fever
- Neurotoxic symptoms (double vision, inability to swallow, etc.)
- Confusion or difficulty reasoning
- Blood in the stools
- High fever—temperature over 101.5°, measured orally
See your doctor immediately if you or your children have the symptoms of food poisoning.
Learn more about foodborne illnesses.
Prevention
How Can I Stay Safe?
Consumers can do many things to help keep their food safe. At home, follow four primary guidelines in food preparation and handling to fight bacteria:
- Clean — Wash hands and surfaces often.
- Separate — Don't cross-contaminate foods.
- Cook — Cook to proper temperatures.
- Chill — Refrigerate promptly.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Helpful Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Food Safety
Egg Safety Center
FoodSafety.gov
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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